Sleeveface Phenomenon

Sleeveface is an internet phenomenon wherein one or more persons obscure or augment body parts with record sleeve(s), causing an illusion. Sleeveface has become popular on social networking sites.

The precise origin of the concept is unknown. A collection of photographs was posted online at Waxidermy.com in early 2006, though earlier examples of ‘Sleevefacing’ include a Mad Magazine cover and a sketch on The Adam and Joe Show with Gary Numan holding a record sleeve to his face. One case of a “sleeveface” before the internet phenomenon and website was an album cover by DJ J Rocc, whose own sleeve (front and back) was done in the group sleeveface style. Another case and possibly the earliest “sleeveface” photo is on the back of the album “Picture This” by Huey Lewis and the News in 1982, where Huey is holding the front side of the album (showing his face) in front of his face. Earlier still, is John Hiatt’s 1979 “Slug Face” album where he too is holding a sleeve (showing his face) in front of his face.